Just two weeks ago I got a 2016 Malibu. It's not what I'm used to. My last two cars have been a 2013 Silverado Z71 and a 2006 325Ci. Each of those previous cars are performance/power machines. The Malibu is quite a bit understated by comparison. It's a decent car, however, and I'm not embarrassed driving it (it's white with black leather interior and sweet fuckin' 18s--actually I can't believe Chevy is capable of making wheels that cool, and funny enough even a friend of mine who's a designer for Chevy couldn't believe they were stock). I just shaved about $150 off my monthly gas bill, so that's a positive, and will be even more so if gas gets back to a normal price. I'll give it a B+ overall. I also own a 2013 Range Rover Evoque. It's fine, but definitely a girl car.
I just saw my first 2016 Malibu in person yesterday. It doesn't actually look half bad to be honest with you. It kind of reminds me of the direction Kia took the Optima these past few years, making it look sharper without looking like it's trying hard to be flashy. I'm glad to hear you ended up liking it.